Flashlight construction

ABSTRACT

This disclosure is directed to a flashlight construction of a disposable type having a housing configuration defining a lens opening for receiving a reflector and bulb sub-assembly. A bulb socket forming a portion of the reflector includes retaining means whereby the bulb can be readily snapped or threaded with the aid of an adaptor into position and retained within the bulb socket to define the sub-assembly. A pair of spring contact members connect the bulb into electrical circuit with a battery source of electrical energy. The arrangement of the spring contact members and the configuration of the housing is such so as to render optional the type and/or size of the battery which can be used within the housing without requiring any change in the physical arrangement of the housing and/or rearrangement of any of the component parts of the flashlight construction.

United States Patent n91 Bacevlus l l FLASHLIGHT CONSTRUCTION [7S] inventor: Joseph G. Bncevlua. Shelton, Conn.

[73] Auignee: Paul Gerrlty. Stamford. Conn.

[22! Filed: Sept. 25. I972 |2lt Appl No. 291.593

52] U.S. Cl 240/).6 R. 240N065. 240/l0.67

llll 3,794,824

[ Feb. 26, 1974 2/]969 Great Britain 240N065 l/l966 Great Britain 240N065 Primary E.ruminer.loseph F. Peters. Jr. Attorney, Agent. or Firm-Arthur T Fattibene I ABSTRACT This disclosure is directed to a flashlight COnslructinn of a disposable type having a housing configuration defining a lens opening for receiving a reflector and hulh sub-assembly. A bulb socket forming a portion of the reflector includes retaining means whereby the bulb can be readily snapped or threaded with the aid of an adaptor into position and retained within the bulb socket to define the sub-assembly. A pair of spring contact members connect the bulb intu electrical circuit with a battery source of electrical energy The arrangement of the spring contact memhers and the configuration of the housing is such so its to render nptinnul the type and/0r size of the battery which cam he used within the hnusing without requiring any. change in the physical arrangement of the housing and/0r rearrangement of any of the component palm of the flashlight construction.

l6 Claims. l4 Drlwlng Figures PAIENIEO FEBZ 6 I914 w F/G. 2

FLASHLIGHT CONSTRUCTION PROBLEM AND PRIOR ART The flashlight constructions heretofore known, particulttrly the disposable type flashlights. have been constructed so that only a particular type or size of battery could be utilized therewith. Therefore in the event that it became necessary to effect a change in the size and- {or shape of a battery. as for example. when a battery supplier changes the shape of a battery or in the event a battery supplier terminated manufacture and/or availability of a particular type of battery. a flashlight manufacturer would then be forced to completely rcconstruct and/or redesign the flashlight housing and the mechanical components thereof in order to adapt to any new change in the available battery sizes and shapes.

This invention is also directed to a flashlight construction in which the components are arranged to substantially enhance the assembly thereof to provide a flashlight which is simple and positive in operation. Generally in the assembly of small. hand-held flashlights and particularly in the assembly of the inexpensive, disposable type. the bulb is loosely positioned within the bulb socket and physically held in place thereby by an assemblyman as the other components are assembled. In the assembly of such flashlights, the reflector was required to be first assembled to the housing and thereafter the bulb in turn assembled to the reflector. Because the bulb is generally not threaded or otherwise retained in position in the flashlight consiructions of the type to which this disclosure is di rccted, considerable difficulty had been encountered in positioning and maintaining the bulb in position within the socket until the other elements or component parts of the flashlight were assembled. Heretofore during the assembly of such flashlight constructions. the bulb would frequently fall out of the socket. and invariably would result in a defective bulb.

Also in disposable type flashlight construction. it is imperative that the component parts thereof be positively disposed and maintained in position relative to each other so as to provide for positive mechanical action. This is necessary in disposable type flashlights because once the flashlight has been constructed. the housing is sealed tight. and access to the Internal parts of the flashlight can not be had without completely deitroying the flashlight. Therefore in disposable flashlights, once a mslfunetlon is bad. it will invariably render the flashlight useless.

OBJECTS An object of this invention is to provide a flashlight construction of the relatively inexpensive type having an improved reflector bulb assembly so as to facilitate the overall assembly of the flashlight construction.

Another object ol'this invention is to provide a flashlight construction having a housing configuration and operatively associated components whereby the housing construction and the operating component parts can be utilized with more than one type and/r size of battery without necessitating any change in the conttruction or operation thereof.

Another object of this invention is to provide a relalively inexpensive flashlight construction which permits positive mechanical action with any of the optional st" lections of available batteries.

Another object is to provide a fliashlight construction having a reflector which isreadily adapted to receive either a snap fitted bulb or a screw type bulb.

Another object of this invention is to provide in n flashlight construction an arrangement of a bulb and reflector sub-assembly which may be pre-assembled so as to facilitate the overall assembly of the flashlight consiruction.

Another object of this invention is to provide an int proved flashlight construction wherein the time. cost and effort in effecting the assembly of the flashlight l's reduced to a minimum.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION The foregoing objects and other features and advztn tages of this invention are attained by a flashlight Cttltstruction which is particularly applicable to the making of a disposable flashlight. The flashlight Compriscs ll housing defining a pair of complementary shell portions which in the assembled position thereof define .t lens opening. A reflector having a bulb socket integrally connected thereto wlcrcin the bulb can he I'Llltiily preassembled to the reflector and loosely. but posttively retained in the bulb socltcl thereof, for assembly. by means of circumferentially spaced retaining nicnm disposed in the bulb socket; or in a modified embottt merit secured in an adaptor fitted to the reflector (t erativcly disposed within the housing are a pair of con ducting spring contact members particularly urrungcd to connect the bulb into and out of electrical circuit with a battery means adapted to be confined within the housing. The arrangement is such that one of the conducting spring contact members connects one clcc trode ofthe battery means in electrical Contact with tltc bulb. The other spring contact member is connected at one end into electrical contact with the bulb. and hming its other end free to flex in and out ofconlact with the other electrode of the battery means to make and break the circuit to the bulb. A slide switch is npcrzttively associated with the remote or other end of the second contact member to effect a flexing of the remote end between an "on" and off position. Coopct stively associated with the slide switch is a guide or flange which is disposed to position and guide the flc ing end of the second contact member in assembling and during operation.

The internal walls of the complementary shell portions are formed with internal ribbing arranged to accommodate and locate the optional battery sizes and/or shapes within the housing in a manner so as to make it unnecessary to change the shape of the housing and/or the shape and function of the mechanical Components of the flashlight. The internal ribbings are disposed to locate either a multi-cell unitary block type of batter) configuration or a plurality of round or cylindrical in dependent battery cells. When the round independent battery cells are used. a third spring contact is disposed within the housing for connecting the independent buttery cells into electrical series circuit arrangement; and for exerting a spring bias on the respective batteries to insure positive electrical contact and assembly holding pressure.

FEATURES A feature of this invention resides in the provision ot a flashlight construction having a minimum number of component parts positively disposed with respect to one another so as to insure positive and fool-proof mechanical operation of the flashlight.

Another feature of this invention resides in the provision of a reflector bulb sub-assembly in which the bulb may be pre-assembled to,the light reflector so that the reflector and bulb subassembly may be assembled as a component part to the housing construction to facilitate the overall assembly of the flashlight.

Another feature resides in a flashlight housing formed of complementary shell portions having internal ribbing arranged to facilitate the locating and/or positioning of the optional types of battery means within the housing.

Another feature of this invention resides in a disposahle flashlight having an improved switching arrangement for making and breaking the circuit to the light bulb in which the switch is recessed to prohibit accidental energizing.

Another feature resides in the provision of an adapter which can be readily fitted to the bulb socket olthc reflector for adapting the bulb socket for receiving a screw type bulb.

Other features and advantages will become more readily apparent when considered in view of the draw ings and specification in which:

FIG. I is a sectional elevation view of a flashlight construction embodying the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a detailed perspective view of the slide switch utilized in the embodiment of FIG. I.

FIG. 3 is a detailed perspective view of the bulb reflrctor and associated bulb socket.

FIG. 4 is a sectional view of the reflector and bulb sub-assembly.

FIG. Sis a fragmentary detail of a modified construction of the invention.

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional plan view taken along lines 6-6 on FIG. I to illustrate the relative position of the respective optional type batteries adapted to be used in conjunction with the flashlight construction of FIG. I.

FIG. 7 is an inside plan view of a complementary housing section of the flashlight construction.

FIG. 7A is a cross-sectional view taken along line 7A-7A of FIG. I.

FIG. Bis an end view looking along line 8-8 on FIG. 7.

FIG. 9 is an inside plan view ofthe other complementary housing section.

FIG. I is an end view looking along line I0-I0 on FIG. 9.

FIG. II is a sectional view taken along line II-II on FIG. 9.

FIG. I2 is a detailed sectional view of a modified construction.

FIG. I3 is a detailed perspective view of the adapter utilized in the modified construction of FIG. [2.

Referring to the drawings there is shown in FIG. I a flashlight construction I00 embodying the present invention. The flashlight construction I00 of FIG. I is particularly adapted for use in the construction of a relativcly inexpensive flashlight c.g., the disposable type of flashlight. The flashlight construction I00 comprises essentially ofa housing IOI defined by complementary shell or dish shaped sections IOIA. 1018 which are constructed to be butted into edge to edge relationship to define the housing Ifll. As best seen in FIG 6. and wlth particular reference to FIGS 7 and 9. each shell portion 101A, IOIB comprises a sidewall portion I02 and IQZA having a circumscribed, inturned end wall portion to define a bottom wall half section I03. 103A. a front wall hall'section 104, NA. and a rear wall half section I05. 105A, and an inclined top wall half section I06 I06A. In the assembled position of the complementary shell portions IOIA, IOIB, a lens opening I07, I07A is defined in the upper end thereof immediately above the front wall portion 104, MA. The lens opening I07, I0'7A is defined with opposed grooves I08. I08A adapted to receive the lateral flanges I09 of a bulb reflector IIO and a lens or window III.

The housing section IOIA. FIG. 9 is also formed with internal guides to position and retain the various components, e.g., reflector I I0, contact springs or conduct ing members I15 and I26 and bulb base I [7A. For example as best seen in FIGS. 9 and I0. the housing sec tion IOIA in the upper portion thereof in the vicinity of the reflector I10, is provided with an inwardly ex tending arcuate rib I40 having a seat defining cur e [41 arranged to engage and stabilize the reflector H0 in the assembled position. A second inwardly extending arcuate rib I42 is provided '0 provide a saddle for to ceiving the bulb socket portion IIJ of the reflector in 4 the assembled position. A further rib I43 is provided to form a saddle for the bulb base portion II7A in the asscmbled position.

Operatively connected to the rib portion 143 is n guide rib I44 which extends inwardly and parallel to the top wall I06 adjacent a recess switch location I30. Guide rib I44 functions to guide the switch I29 in the assembled position of the flashlight as flange 129D of switch 129 is guided thereby. and to prohibit any mis alignment of the contact strip I26 either during assembly or during operation of the light. which in either event would adversely effect the operation of the light.

Housing section is also provided with complementary rib portions A, I42A and I43A to provide a saddle for locating the reflector I10, its bulb socket H3 and the bulb base II7A in the assembled position of the housing.

In the assembled position the respective reflector and bulb guides or ribs I40. 140A, I42, 142A and I43. 3A positively position and maintain the alignment of the reflector and bulb in the assembled position for maximum operating efficiency.

As best seen in FIGS. 9 to II, the upper transverse ribs I22 extend to substantially the medial portion of the housing in the assembled position with the portion extending beneath the switch opening I30 cut away as indicated at I22A in FIG. II. A vertical reinforcing rib I45 extends between said transverse rib I22 and pin I28. Also a transverse reinforcing rib I46 extends hctween saddle rib I42, I43 and reinforcing rib I45. It will be understood that shell portions IOIA and lOlll are preferably formed of molded plastic and that the guides. saddles and reinforcing ribs are integrally formed with the respective half sections IOIA. loll] Referring to FIGS. 3 and 4, the bulb reflector Ill) comprises a concave reflector portion IIOA terminating in a bulb opening III which is circumscribed by a bulb socket IIJ. As best seen in FIGS. 3 and 4. a cir cumferential portion of the bulb socket is cut away to define a slotted opening Il4. An inturn shoulder IIS circumscribing the bulb opening or inner end of the bulb socket II3 defines a bulb seat.

Spaced from the shoulder H5 or bulb seat, and can Cul'HICICl'tIltllly spaced about the Internal periphery I l the bulb socket 113 are a plurality of retaining means in the form of inwardly extending bosses I16.

The bulb I17 adapted for use in the light construction of FIG. I comprises a base portion 117A having a laterally extending flan e or collar 118. The arrangement is such that the bulb I I7 can be pre'assembled to the reflector III) by simply locating the bulb 117 so that the collar I18 can be readily strapped into position between the internal'shoulder I and the retaining bosses I I6. The spacing between the shoulder 11S and the retaining bosses 116 is sufficiently large to receive the bulb collar inserted into the bulb socket by a simple snapping of the collar past the retaining means 116 so that in the pre -assembled relationship thereof. as seen in FIG. 4, the bulb is loosely. but positively retained to the reflector llO between the inturned shoulder I15 and the retaining means I16. In the assembly of the respective shell half portions IOtA. 1018. the reflector bulb.sub-assembly can be readily assembled thereto as a unit.

As best seen in FIG. I. the complementary shell por lions 101A, IOIIl are each provided with opposed longitudinally extending ribs II) which project inwardly of the housing. As best seen in FIG. 6, it will be noted that the housing or shells in the assembled position define a battery chamber 120 to receive either a pair of round, independent battery cells 121. as shown in solid lines in FIG. I. or a unitary block type battery I2IA (dotted).

As will be hereinafter described. the housing can accommodate a round type of battery. e.g.. a "C" type dry cell wherein the opposed ribs 119 function to locate the batteries 12] lhcrebetween as shown in FIG. 6- Upper and lower transverse ribs I22 and 123 are provided to positively retain the respective battery cells 121 in position within the housing in the assembled position thereof. Alternatively a block type battery. e.g., a 3 cell unitary block I21A may be disposed within battery chamber 120 of the housing as evident in FIGS. 1 and 6.

In the event that the independent cells I2l are to be used. a conducting member 124 in the form of a substantially U- or V-shaped spring member is secured adjacent to the bottom of the battery housing with the opposed arms 124A thereof being disposed in electrical contact with the electrodes of the battery 121 so as to connect the independent cells in series circuit relationship. The conducting member. being formed of spring material. will also exert a spring bias or force on the batteries tending to maintain the respective cells in position to be positively electrically engaged by the spring contact members 125 and 126 adapted to circuit with the battery means.

In the illustrated form of the invention of FIG. I bulb contact members 125. I26 include a first spring contact 125 for connecting the bulb into positive electrical contact with one electrode or side of the battery means 121 or 121A. As best seen in FIG. I the bulb contact strip I comprises flat conducting spring or wire having a reverse bent portion 125A. the free end of which is disposed into electrical contact with the electrode of the battery means 121 0r 121A. The other end 1258 of the contact member 125 is bent so as to efl'ect electrical contact with the base end of the bulb 117. To insure positive engagement between the end 1258 of the contact 125 and the base of the bulb 117, the contact 125 may be provided with a dimpled or recessed portion to accommodate and provide positive engagement with the base end of the bulb H7. The spring contact defined is positively retained in position to engage the electrode of the battery and the bulb by a retaining boss 127 integrally formed as part ofa shell portion of the housing. The retaining boss I27 is formed with an extending slot therein by which the spring contact 125 can be readily inserted and retained to the housing during assembly.

The second spring contact member 126 is disposed to effect engagement between the bulb I17 and the other electrode of the battery means 121 or 121A. As best seen in FIG. I, one end 126A of the spring contact I26 is bent so as to engage the base portion I I'M of the bulb under a spring force. The bulb engaging end I 26A of the spring contact I26 effects electrical contact vi rth the base of the bulb by being disposed in alignment with the slotted opening Il-I formed in the bulb socket I13. The other end 1268 of the contact rncmbcr I20 is free to flex into and out ofengagenicnt with the other electrode of the battery means The arrangement I.\ such that the flexing end 1268 of the spring contact 126 functions as a switch for making and breaking tltt' circuit to the bulb.

Spring contact member I26 is l'txedly secured to .i shell portion IOIA of the housing by a retaining buss 128 integrally connected to the associated shell and having a slot formed therein for receiving and retaining an intermediate portion of the spring contact I26.

cooperatively associated with the flexing end Iloli of the spring contact 126 is a slide actuator or SWlltli 129. As best seen in FIG. 2 the slide actuator or switch 129 compresses a finger portion 129A which is adapted to extend externally of the housing IOI. Dependin from the finger portion 129A is :1 central projection 1298 which is adapted to be slidcably received in the slotted opening 130 formed by the top wall portion tor. of the housing. A transversely extending retaining flange 129C is connected to the depending projection 1298 for retaining the switch actuator l2) in the a semblcd relationship of the housing shell portion, 'l it provide a means for guiding the slide actuator I29 and also to provide a means for locating and positioning the flexing end I298 of the spring contact I26. the switch actuator includes a guide or flange 1290 dependin from the retaining flange portion l29C. As best seen III FIG. I, the depending guide or flange [290 of the slide actuator 219 is arranged to engage a side edge portion of the spring contact member I26 along which the actuator is guided between the on and off positions.

The switch actuator also includes a cam surface Ill which is adapted to engage the free end 1268 of spring contact 126 to effect displacement thereof between an engaging and non-engaging position relative to the associated electrode ofthe battery means I21 or [21A in energizing and tie-energizing the bulb. To maintain the bulb on in an energized position a retaining bum or hump 132 is formed on the spring contact intermediate the end thereof. The arrangement is such that when the cam I31 ofthe switch actuator is cammed or rides over the retaining hump 132 of the spring contact 126. lllC slide actuator is disposed to maintain the flexing or switch end of the contact in a bulb energizing position without the need of maintaining ones finger on the finger portion I29A of the switch actuator. To decnergize the bulb. the slide actuator 129 is shifted to |l rearward position as indicated by the solid line showing in FIG. 1', thereby permitting the switch end of the contact I26 to flex to its off position.

FIG. 5 illustrates a modified construction of a coupling contact I248 for engaging the independent batteries in series circuit relationship. As shown in FIG. 5. it will be noted that the bottom or coupling contact I248 may be substituted for the V-shapcd contact I24 of FIG. I. The modified arrangement of FIG. 5 illustralcs the connecting contact as comprising a pair of coil spring, A contact I248 formed to define independent wire spring coils 124C and I24!) integrally con nected by an interconnecting portion, the arrangement being such that the entire spring contact l24ll can be formed from a single piece of electrical conducting wire. In the form of FIG. 5. the respective coils 124C and I24D exert an independent spring force on the respective battery cells I2I.

It will be noted that in the event the flashlight is cottstructed with a unitary battery means, cg, battery IZIA. the bottom contact spring I240 is eliminated. ln all other respects the components of the flashlight herein described remain unchanged.

From the foregoing description it will be readily apparent that a housing 101 and associated component parts, e.g., reflector III). bulb Il7, contacts I25. I26 and actuator I29 can be readily assembled so as to render optional the utilization of either independent cell bateries I2l or block batteries IZIA, without effecting any change in the structural or functional relationship of the housing and/or the component parts opcratively associated therewith to effect the operation ofthe light.

The assembly of the flashlight construction I00, in either case, is greatly simplified by the reflector-bulb prcassernbled sub-combination as the latter can be readily fitted as a unit to one of the housing shells during assembly. The bulb contact strips I25 and I26 are readily fitted to their respective retaining bosses I27, 128. The slide actuator can be readily fitted into the slotted portion of the shell portion; and the desired battery source placed in position in the complementary shell portion. Completion of the assembly is attained by simply fitting the complementary tthcll portion to the shell portion to which the components were assembled. If desired the respective shell portions can be sealed or integrally welded to form a disposable light. The arrangement is such that the bulb H7 is maintained in positive contact under a biasing spring force by the respective contact strips I25. I26 and the action of the switch actuator on the flexing end ofthe spring contact I26 insures positive mechanical action.

With the construction described, the slot II4 formed in the bulb socket II) and the manner it cooperates with spring contact I26 provides for positive electrical contact. Also the spring tension of the contact I26 actmg on the bulb functions to assist in maintaining alignment of the bulb. Also the slot forms a guide for main taining the alignment of the reflector to maintain maximum efficiency of the refiEEfing surface.

With the const'uction described the components described can be readily utilized with conventional independent cell type batteries, e.g., C type dry cell batterics and the like, or with a multiple cell block type battery. If desired the respective shell portions may be formed with integrally formed partitions 133 to define .t saddle which may further assist in locating and maintaining the bulb in position in the assembled portion FIGS. I2 and I3 illustrate a modified embodiment of the invention. In this form of'the invention, the construction of the overall assembly for the flashlight is similar in all respects to that hereinbcfore described with respect to FIGS. I to II. with the exception that a bulb adapter I60 is provided to accommodate a screw based bulb to the reflector bulb socket I I3.

Referring more specifically to FIG. l2. the adaptor I60 comprises a tubular member or body portion A having a slotted opening I62 formed in the upper portion thereof. Circumscribing the slotted end of the body portion I60A is a laterally extending flange or collar I63. Adjacent the front end of the slotted opctting I62 is an upstanding transversely extending rib I64. Circumferentially spaced about the tubular body 160A adjacent the end collar or flange 163 is a plurality of re taining wedges I65. The bore 166 of the tubular member I60A is formed with a land or thread I67 which complements the screw threads I68 formed on the base of bulb l6l. As best seen in FIG. l2. the forward end of the tubular member is formed with a reduced lip portion 160C to define a circumscribiog shoulder I69 spaced front the front end.

In the assembled position as sewn in FIG. I). the adaptor I60 can be readily fitted to the bulb socket llJ so that the reduced lip portion 160C is recieved in opening [12 of the reflector H0. The shoulder I69 of the adaptor I60 abuts against the bulb seat H5. The atlap tor I60 is fitted to the bulb socket IIJ so that the slotted opening I62 formed therein is disposed in alignment with the opening ll-l of the bulb socket.

To retain the adaptor 160 in position within the bulb socket II the adaptor is press fitted tbereir'ito so that the wedges I65 frictionally retain the adaptor I60 within the socket I I3. With the adaptor friction-ally fit ted in place within the bulb socket III! of reflector ll0 it will be noted that the bulb l6l can be readily threaded and retained in the adaptor I60.

The adaptor thus described enhances the versatility of the overall flashlight construction described in that either a snap in bulb, e.g., H7. or a screw in bulb lot can be utilized in the assembly.

While the instant invention has been described with respect to particular embodiments thereof ariations and modifications may be made without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention.

What is claimed is:

I. A flashlight construction comprising:

means defining a housing,

a bulb reflector connected to said housing,

said reflector including an integrally formed bulb socket having a circumscribing wall portion.

said socket having an inturncd shoulder to define a bulb seat,

retaining means integrally formed and circumferentially spaced about the internal wall surface of said circumscribing wall portion of said bulb socket and, said retaining means being spaced from said inturned shoulder, light bulb having a laterally projecting flange, said flange being adapted to be snapped fitted and retrained between said shoulder and said retaining means. a battery means disposed within said housing. conducting means opcratively connecting said bulb in circuit ith said battery means,

and a switch means opcratively associated with said conducting means for making and breaking the circuit to said bulb. 2. Th flashlight construction as defined in claim I wherein said retaining means includes a series of spaced apart inwardly projecting bosses having inclined surfaces. said inclined surfaces diverging toward said shoulder which permit the flange of said bulb to be snapped in place and positively retained in seating position between said bosses and said shoulder.

3. The flashlight construction as defined in claim l wherein said conducting means includes:'

a first spring conducting means connecting said bulb in circuit with an electrode of said battery means.

and a second spring conducting means adapted for connecting said bulb in electrical contact with the other electrode of said battery means.

each of said spring conducting means having one end thereol'exerting a spring bias on said bulb in the assembled position thereof. and said second conducting means having its other end movably mounted to define a switch end for engaging and disengaging with said other electrode,

4. A flashlight construction comprising:

means defining a housing.

a bulb reflector connected to said housing.

said reflector including a bulb socket.

said socket having an inturned shoulder to define a bulb seat,

retaining means ctrcumlerentially spaced about the internal wall surfaces of said bulb seat and spaced from said inturned shoulder.

alight bulb having a laterally projecting flange.

said flange being adapted to be received and retained between said shoulder and said retaining means.

a battery means disposed within said housing.

conducting means operatively connecting said bulb in circuit with said battery means.

and a switch means opcratively associated with said conducting means for making and breaking the circuit to sa d bulb.

said conducting means including a first spring conducting means connecting said bulb in circuit with an electrode of said battery means.

and a second spring conducting means adapted for connecting said bulb in electrical contact with the other electrode of said battery means. each of said spring conducting means having one end thereof exerting a spring bias on said bulb in the assembled position thereof.

and said second conducting means having its other end movably mounted to define a switch end for engaging and disengaging with said other electrode. switch actuator operatively associated with said switch end of said second conducting means.

said switch actuator being slidably mounted on said housing. said actuator including a cam means for engaging said switch end of said second conducting means.

and said actuator having a depending flange extending to one side of said second conducting means. arranged to engage the edge of said second conducting means to provide for positive mechanical action 5. The invention as defined in claim I herein said housing includes opposed side walls having internal ribs arranged to locate and space differently shaped batteries between the side walls oF'the housing.

6. The invention as defined in claim 5 wherein said ribs are spaced to define cells for locating independently cylindrically shaped batteries and spacers for lo eating a unitary block type battery between the side walls of the housing.

7. A disposable flashlight comprising:

a housing defined by complementary shell portions said shell portions defining a lens opening in the a.

sembled position.

a reflector mounted on said lens opening.

said reflector including a bulb socket.

said socket being defined by an inturned shoulder forming a bulb scat.

retaining means circuml'erentially spaced about said socket and from said shoulder.

a bulb having a base portion and a laterally extending collar whereby said bulb is positively retained within said socket by securing said flange in the space between said shoulder and said retaining means.

battery means disposed within said housing.

a first spring contact.

said first spring contact being formed of an electric conducting material having a reversed bent end portion adapted to engage with an electrode olsanl battery means. and having its other end disposed in electrical contact with the base end portion of SrtILl bulb.

a second spring contact formed of electrical conduct ing material.

said second spring having one end engaging said base portion of said bulb under spring tension. and said second contact spring having its other end free to flex into and out ol'clectrical contact with the Olltcr electrode of said battery means.

a switch actuator slideably mounted on said housingv said switch actuator including a cam operator disposed in engagement with the switch end of said second contact. and a laterally disposed flange guide disposed to one side of said cam Operation to locate said second contact spring relative to said electrode and providing [or positive mechanical movement therebetween.

8. The invention as defined in claim 7 wherein each of said shell portions includes integrally formed ribs forming spacers for positioning and maintaining said battery means in predetermined relationship within said housing in the assembled position.

9. The invention as defined in claim 7 wherein said battery means includes a pair of cylindrically shaped batteries.

said ribs defining a cell adapted to position said balteries within said housing.

and a third spring contact connected to the bottom portion of said housing for electrically connecting said batteries in series circuit.

[0. The invention as defined in claim 9 wherein said third spring means comprises a substantially V-shapcd spring having a base portion and connected arm portions.

anchor means for securing the base of said \-shaped spring to said housing. and

said arm portions being bent to exert a spring tension on each of said batteries in the assembled positron thereof I]. The invention as defined in claim 9 wherein said third spring contact comprises:

a pair of interconnected coil springs formed of a unitary electrical conducting material whereby the respective coil spring exerts a biasing force on said batteries in the assembled position.

12. The invention as defined in claim 1 and including means defining a slot formed in a circumferential portion of said bulb socket.

l3. The invention as defined in claim 8 and including guide means formed on the complementary shell portion to define a saddle for said reflector, bulb socket, and the base portion of said bulb retained therein.

[4. The invention as defined in claim 13 and including a switch guide rib formed on one of said shell portions.

[5. A flashlight construction comprising:

a housing,

a bulb reflector disposed in said housing.

said bulb reflector having a bulb socket, having an inturned shoulder and a circumscribing wall portion,

said bulb socket having a slotted opening formed thereon.

a light bulb having a base portion and a laterally extending flange adapted to be seated against said inturned shoulder,

means for retaining said light bulb in said socket, said retaining means being circumferentially spaced about the internal surface of said circumscribing socket wall portion and spaced from said shoulder,

said bulb flange being snapped fltted and retained against said shoulder by said retaining means,

a battery means disposed in said housing.

conducting means operatively connecting said bulb in electrical circuit with said battery means.

said conducting means including a first contact member engaging the end of said bulb base portion in circuit with one electrode of said battery means,

and a second contact member having one end extending into said slotted opening to contact said bulb base portion and having the other end adapted to engage the other electrode of said batter;v

means.

16. A flashlight construction comprising:

a housing.

a bulb reflector disposed in said housing,

said bulb reflector having a bulb socket,

said bulb socket having a slotted opening formed thereon,

a light bulb having a base portion,

means for retaining said light bulb in said socket,

a battery means disposed in said housing,

conducting means operatively connecting said both in electrical circuit with said battery means.

sald conducting means including a first Contact mcnr b er engaging the end of said bulb base portion HI circuit with one electrode of said battery means.

and a second contact member having one end extending into said slotted opening to contact and bulb base portion and having the other end adapted to engage the other electrode of said batter means,

said bulb retaining means comprising:

an adaptor arranged to be received in said bulh socket,

said adaptor including a tubular body portion hLlVtttl;

an internal thread. 7

said body portion having a slotted opening arranged to be disposed in alignment with the slotted open ing of said bulb socket.

means for retaining said adaptor in position Wlli'llll said bulb socket,

and said bulb having a threaded base portion adapted to complement said internal thread whereby said bulb can be readily threaded to said adaptor.

Q o e s 

1. A flashlight construction comprising: means defining a housing, a bulb reflector connected to said housing, said reflector including an integrally formed bulb socket having a circumscribing wall portion, said socket having an inturned shoulder to define a bulb seat, retaining means integrally formed and circumferentially spaced about the internal wall surface of said circumscribing wall portion of said bulb socket and, said retaining means being spaced from said inturned shoulder, a light bulb having a laterally projecting flange, said flange being adapted to be snapped fitted and retained between said shoulder and said retaining means, a battery means disposed within said housing, conducting means operatively connecting said bulb in circuit with said battery means, and a switch means operatively associated with said conducting means for making and breaking the circuit to said bulb.
 2. Th flashlight construction as defined in claim 1 wherein said retaining means includes a series of spaced apart inwardly projecting bosses having inclined surfaces, said inclined surfaces diverging toward said shoulder which permit the flange of said bulb to be snapped in place and positively retained in seating position between said bosses and said shoulder.
 3. The flashlight construction as defined in claim 1 wherein said conducting means includes: a first spring conducting means connecting said bulb in circuit with an electrode of said battery means, and a second spring conducting means adapted for connecting said bulb in electrical contact with the other electrode of said battery means, each of said spring conducting means having one end thereof exerting a spring bias on said bulb in the assembled position thereof, and said second conducting means having its other end movably mounted to define a switch end for engaging and disengaging with said other electrode.
 4. A flashlight construction comprising: means defining a housing, a bulb reflector connected to said housing, said reflector including a bulb socket, said socket having an inturned shoulder to define a bulb seat, retaining means circumferentially spaced about the internal wall surfaces of said bulb seat and spaced from said inturned shoulder, a light bulb having a laterally projecting flange, said flange being adapted to be received and retained between said shoulder and said retaining means, a battery means disposed within said housing, conducting means operatively connecting said bulb in circuit with said battery means, and a switch means operatively associated with said conducting means for making and breaking the circuit to said bulb, said conducting means including a first spring conducting means connecting said bulb in circuit with an electrode of said battery means, and a second spring conducting means adapted for connecting said bulb in electrical contact with the other electrode of said battery means, each of said spring conducting means having one end thereof exerting a spring bias on said bulb in the assembled position thereof, and said second conducting means having its other end movably mounted to define a switch end for engaging and disengaging with said other electrode, a switch actuator operatively associated with said switch end of said second conducting means, said switch actuator being slidably mounted on said housing, said actuator including a cam means for engaging said switch end of said second conducting means, and said actuator having a depending flange extending to one side of said second conducting means, arranged to engage the edge of said second conducting means to provide for positive mechanical action.
 5. The invention as defined in claim 1 wherein said housing includes opposed side walls having internal ribs arranged to locate and space differently shaped batteries between the side walls of the housIng.
 6. The invention as defined in claim 5 wherein said ribs are spaced to define cells for locating independently cylindrically shaped batteries and spacers for locating a unitary block type battery between the side walls of the housing.
 7. A disposable flashlight comprising: a housing defined by complementary shell portions, said shell portions defining a lens opening in the assembled position, a reflector mounted on said lens opening, said reflector including a bulb socket, said socket being defined by an inturned shoulder forming a bulb seat, retaining means circumferentially spaced about said socket and from said shoulder, a bulb having a base portion and a laterally extending collar whereby said bulb is positively retained within said socket by securing said flange in the space between said shoulder and said retaining means, battery means disposed within said housing, a first spring contact, said first spring contact being formed of an electric conducting material having a reversed bent end portion adapted to engage with an electrode of said battery means, and having its other end disposed in electrical contact with the base end portion of said bulb, a second spring contact formed of electrical conducting material, said second spring having one end engaging said base portion of said bulb under spring tension, and said second contact spring having its other end free to flex into and out of electrical contact with the other electrode of said battery means, a switch actuator slideably mounted on said housing, said switch actuator including a cam operator disposed in engagement with the switch end of said second contact, and a laterally disposed flange guide disposed to one side of said cam operation to locate said second contact spring relative to said electrode and providing for positive mechanical movement therebetween.
 8. The invention as defined in claim 7 wherein each of said shell portions includes integrally formed ribs forming spacers for positioning and maintaining said battery means in predetermined relationship within said housing in the assembled position.
 9. The invention as defined in claim 7 wherein said battery means includes a pair of cylindrically shaped batteries, said ribs defining a cell adapted to position said batteries within said housing, and a third spring contact connected to the bottom portion of said housing for electrically connecting said batteries in series circuit.
 10. The invention as defined in claim 9 wherein said third spring means comprises a substantially V-shaped spring having a base portion and connected arm portions, anchor means for securing the base of said V-shaped spring to said housing, and said arm portions being bent to exert a spring tension on each of said batteries in the assembled position thereof.
 11. The invention as defined in claim 9 wherein said third spring contact comprises: a pair of interconnected coil springs formed of a unitary electrical conducting material whereby the respective coil spring exerts a biasing force on said batteries in the assembled position.
 12. The invention as defined in claim 1 and including means defining a slot formed in a circumferential portion of said bulb socket.
 13. The invention as defined in claim 8 and including guide means formed on the complementary shell portion to define a saddle for said reflector, bulb socket, and the base portion of said bulb retained therein.
 14. The invention as defined in claim 13 and including a switch guide rib formed on one of said shell portions.
 15. A flashlight construction comprising: a housing, a bulb reflector disposed in said housing, said bulb reflector having a bulb socket, having an inturned shoulder and a circumscribing wall portion, said bulb socket having a slotted opening formed thereon, a light bulb having a base portion and a laterally extending flange adapted to be seated against Said inturned shoulder, means for retaining said light bulb in said socket, said retaining means being circumferentially spaced about the internal surface of said circumscribing socket wall portion and spaced from said shoulder, said bulb flange being snapped fitted and retained against said shoulder by said retaining means, a battery means disposed in said housing, conducting means operatively connecting said bulb in electrical circuit with said battery means, said conducting means including a first contact member engaging the end of said bulb base portion in circuit with one electrode of said battery means, and a second contact member having one end extending into said slotted opening to contact said bulb base portion and having the other end adapted to engage the other electrode of said battery means.
 16. A flashlight construction comprising: a housing, a bulb reflector disposed in said housing, said bulb reflector having a bulb socket, said bulb socket having a slotted opening formed thereon, a light bulb having a base portion, means for retaining said light bulb in said socket, a battery means disposed in said housing, conducting means operatively connecting said bulb in electrical circuit with said battery means, said conducting means including a first contact member engaging the end of said bulb base portion in circuit with one electrode of said battery means, and a second contact member having one end extending into said slotted opening to contact said bulb base portion and having the other end adapted to engage the other electrode of said battery means, said bulb retaining means comprising: an adaptor arranged to be received in said bulb socket, said adaptor including a tubular body portion having an internal thread, said body portion having a slotted opening arranged to be disposed in alignment with the slotted opening of said bulb socket, means for retaining said adaptor in position within said bulb socket, and said bulb having a threaded base portion adapted to complement said internal thread whereby said bulb can be readily threaded to said adaptor. 